Well a picture is worth a thousand words to me and all of the pics of gear being used in a trip or at a campsite helped me immensly. Learned a lot about how to do a lake trip vs. the local river trips I was accustomed to. I've brought alot of it back home. Specifically portage packs instead of my hiking backpacks and the right way to portage.

I think I have picked up many little tips and some good information. But you can do that on any website.

The value of bwca.com for me is in learning that you can actually form relationships with people you meet online. They will support you in times of crisis, pray for you when you need prayers, give you advice when you ask for it (and sometimes when you don't), give you a pat on the back when you deserve it, correct you when you are mistaken (usually quite politely, but not always), offer to loan you gear, take a trip with you, give you a ride or a place to stay. . . .and just generally care for you. Sincerely care for you.

That's a friend, isn't it? I have friends on the Internet.

To someone who is in their twenties, that probably doesn't seem odd at all, but to a conservatively-raised small-town woman in her mid-60's, that concept is, on many levels, quite remarkable.

I have friends here. That's what I've learned. And that knowledge is pure gold.

- that there are other fanatics like meeeeeeee!- that there are other good tents besides Timberlines- concept of a ditch kit- various safety scenarios- it's OK to be a full time "innie", I'm in good company

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

There are arguments both ways to which one is better. An "outtie" protects the underside of the tent's floor, keeping it clean and, in theory, protecting it from sharp objects, all while keeping water from leaching up through the floor fabric. The bad part about an outtie is if the ground cloth sticks out from under the tent, it can act like a rain catcher and trap water under your tent.

An "innie" is the same plastic (or whatever material) sheet that is normally placed under the tent, but it's placed inside the tent after the tent is erected. It acts like the last layer of protection if water leaches into the tent through the floor. The bad part here is you're resigned to the fact that water is going to get in the tent in the first place.

IMO, the only true method is to use both, but arguments can go both ways.

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir

Welcome to our crazy group, cinna! In no time you will feel like you fit in.

"innie" vs. "outie" is the constant debate about whether to put your plastic protective sheet underneath the tent or inside on the floor. People have definite preferences, and some odd folks like us even do both! LOL!

To be honest, I haven't learned much more about the art of canoe tripping, but have gained a real appreciation for the wide variety of folks here who love the canoe country and canoe tripping. That's why I check out this site more than any other.

I was an avid backpacker before, but completely green to the concept of canoe tripping. While there are lots of similarities, it is surprising how many differences there are. This site has been invaluable to my crossover.

1) Sawyer water filters2) How to keep and spell leeches3) be careful how you word a post (please don't be upset)4) blue barrels for stashing vs. hanging (always a pain)5) how to keep food cold6) where to go (including places I don't care to go)7) tons of laughs8) many others also wet foot with wool socks and running shoes 9) portage etiquette10)The boats with flying moose stickers hold friendly people :)

Lots of info on fishing spots, lures and portages. Using an empty plastic gallon milk jug tied to the bow for a water container at camp, coffee in a tea filter for morning brews, foam piping on the gunnels to minimize leg scrapes during long paddles, a canvas remnant to keep fillets cool during the day.

Several tips on gear and places to go, etc. Most important is the capacity to share stories that trigger memories of BWCA/Quetico alive all year long and sharing those with others even though there is not campfire to sit around. Might be some of that camp coffee additive from time to time.Also meeting people and looking forward to meeting more. Thanks all.

The special people I have been able to meet from this board has been a lot of fun! Adam, the Spartans 1&2, Satchmoa, Brad (Mooseplums), set-the-hook, paddlefasterpastorand more!! I am lookin, to try and meet more, this summer. It is difficult when you live so far away from the Wing nights.

quote Arkansas Man: "The special people I have been able to meet from this board has been a lot of fun! Adam, the Spartans 1&2, Satchmoa, Brad (Mooseplums), set-the-hook, paddlefasterpastorand more!! I am lookin, to try and meet more, this summer. It is difficult when you live so far away from the Wing nights.

Tons about gear whether that be footwear, tarps, packs, tents, water filters or canoes and paddles.

Lots about tripping, how to trip, what to pack, where to go. Ive especially learned how to plan and route trips and am much better at figuring out where i can reasonably expect to make it on a day to day basis.

quote Jeriatric: "Drift chuteSitbackerHow to troll from a canoeSharing of solo anxietiesMany thoughts on equipment that helped me narrow my choicesCommiserating on agingSharing the loss of Gus, my dog"Yeah, it was cool to talk freely about growing old, wasn't it?

Abe: You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.

More than one tarp (Tyvek)BB net for an anchorgot some great,used gear from ewes people

Joy is a great teacher, but so is dispair. Wonder is a great teacher, but so is confusion. Hope is a great teacher, but so is disillusionment. And life is a great teacher, but so is death. To deny yourself any of those in any aspect is not experiencing life totally.

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